USAO receives highest ranking

There have been several “firsts” this season for the USAO men's soccer team. And another one came Wednesday afternoon.

After starting the season ranked No. 25 in the NAIA preseason poll, the University of Science and Arts ripped off six straight wins and have yet to lose. USAO's 7-0-2 record was not lost on pollsters as the Drovers found themselves No. 7 in the country Wednesday - the highest the program has ever been ranked at any time.

“For us to be No. 7 in the country - in Chickasha, Oklahoma, with only four scholarships - it's like winning the World Cup for us,” head coach Jimmy Hampton said.

USAO might be in danger of falling out of the top-10 after Tuesday's tie with No. 17 Oklahoma City. A win against No. 18 Southern Nazarene at home on Friday afternoon might keep them from falling.

Wednesday's ranking served as just another “first” this season.

This team was the first in school history to be ranked in the preseason, and this is the first time the men's soccer team has been undefeated through nine games...and counting.

Friday's game against SNU will begin with the women's game at 1 p.m.